After hours and hours of research I decided I was going to buy a projected pivot tow system. After months of searching for a deal, I purchased a used HA for $200.00. It is still intact, but has seen better days. Some paint peeling, surface rust, needs bearing(s), and a few small parts ( cleavis pin/ ubolt). I know these hitches are stout and I am mechanicallly inclined. I read various posts last night about other campers rebuilding/painting theirs so I know I can do it.

I would like to ask a favor from any HA owner though. Could you pm or email me. I would also like to speak to a human on the telephone and try to get anymore advice before I start this task.

If there is anyone in the St. Louis MO area that has one and is willing to let me come look at yours, I would like to see yours in person just to get a better understanding maybe some photos.

Thanks for any help

Procrastinator

2005 F350 King Ranch dually (yes, I know what I have and I know how to take care of it)

I am a 10-yr HA owner in Louisville. Call me (Don) anytime 631-404-0131 I can send pics if you need. I just had mine off for a spring refresh and is back in service again. Let me know what you need help with.

Thanks for all the information. I had already read Barneys, AIR, and one other rebuild posts. Very helpful but I always want more infomation. The complete guide to HaHa is going to take some time but I think it will do the trick nicely.

As for my rebuild...taking it apart was really easy. Very simple and sturdy construction. Removingthe powdercoating no so easy. My sand blast cabinet would not touch it. I ended up having a professional strip the main units. FYI permetex gasket remover will soften and remove most powdercoatings. I have most of the stuts painted and waiting for clear coats. The main units are just starting their primer coats. I spent about $400 for parts and improvements Monday. So in about two weeks I will have it all done pretty and working.

Well, I got it figured out. I got a set of Federal Mogul/ MOOG grease seals. The DO NOT fit. I went to local trailer lot and picked up two (all they had) and they are a just a little smaller in diameter, do not have a "rolled" end, and the tip is tapered to get them started. So... basically, I blew 22 bucks on the Federal Mogul/ MOOG ones. Going to pick up another set tomorrow and my Hensley will be rebuilt.

Procrastinator wrote:Well, I got it figured out. I got a set of Federal Mogol grease seals. The DO NOT fit. I went to local trailer lot and picked up two (all they had) and they are a just a little smaller in diameter, do not have a "rolled" end, and the tip is tapered to get them started. So... basically, I blew 22 bucks on the Federal Mogol ones. Going to pick up another set tomorrow and my Hensley will be rebuilt.

Next, moving propane tanks and the intallation on the trailer.

Keep us posted on your progress. Sounds like you've got a very nice project going.

Same number I had. I used Timken but the number on the package is the same. I didn't have any trouble getting them in. I set them in the opening slightly at an angle, then tapped lightly on the higher side with a slight downward/sideways tap. Once I got the seal started I just tapped it down in a circuler motion till it was set flush. I was wondering if I was going to have trouble also since I had read a few reports of people having probs.

Ok, I got all my parts sandblasted, painted, and now I am putting it all back together but I have a problem.

I know the bearing/grease seals are tight, but so far I have bent 3 out of the 4 seals. not even close to going in. What is wrong? My seals are about 35000th's bigger than the bore they are going into. I know you set them tap with wood flat no dice. Borrowed a buddy's grease seal install tool. Same thing. Shoved two in the freezer. Same thing. Called Hensley they thought they were just standard seals and he did not know a party number off hand.

I found the grease seals from the links online here. Here is what I am using: